![]() ![]() As it is played vertically on the lap, you push forward to catch one string and pull backward to catch the other. It has no fingerboard, and the bow is lodged between the two strings. A long neck with two tuning pegs for its two strings leads to a small soundbox, the face of which is traditionally covered in snakeskin for a unique timbre. (Seriously, think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.)ĭespite its lyrical range, the erhu’s design is surprisingly simple. It is probably one of the most iconic string sounds coming out of China, often presented in Western media in a solemn context with a wailing, mournful voice. ![]() It is extremely likely that you have heard the erhu. Sometimes referred to as the “Chinese violin”, the only real similarities that the erhu bears to the violin is that both are bowed and both are extremely versatile in terms of the tones, and accompanying emotions, they can evoke. Pipa players may pluck individual strings or create chords with multiple strings, often employing heavy tremolo and vibrato for emphasis. Often used to portray nature or battle scenes, modern pipas have up to 24 frets and feature a broad dynamic range with a bright tone. Players use each of the five fingers on their right hands to pluck forward and backward. Indeed, its name is directly derived from its manner of playing, with “pi” meaning “to play forward” and “pa” meaning “to play backward”. Modern players stand it up in their laps more vertically and often use plectra on their fingers to pluck and strum. Originally, it was played more horizontally like a guitar with a single triangular plectrum (a pick, essentially). Unlike the qin, the pipa was played across classes, from the literati and officials to common folk. Its four strings reflect the four seasons, and an ornate pegbox finial often portrays a bat, dragon or other decorative inlay. ![]() Three feet represent the realms of heaven, earth and man 5 inches for the five elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth. and its design is rife with symbolism.įor starters, it measures specifically 3 feet 5 inches in length. The Chinese pipa is a pear-shaped bowl lute from the early centuries C.E. Not surprisingly, the older and more worn the qin, the more beautiful it is considered to be. There are, however, 13 markers along the side noting where the player’s left hand can hold down the string to achieve a particular pitch while the right hand plucks.Ī qin song features both open plucked strings that ring out while the player uses other strings to play a melody on top of the open notes. Qins can measure up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) at their widest. The qin has naturally evolved over thousands of years, but modern instruments are essentially hollow, tapered rectangle-shaped boxes with seven silk strings of equal length. Today, the instrument is still widely revered but little played. To intrude upon a qin player in song was once considered a grave transgression. Toward this end, it was played exclusively in solitude, often outside in the serenity of nature and during the quiet of night. (Yes: B.C.) A member of the zither family, the qin was only played by society’s highest thinkers to achieve a deeper understanding of morality, character, indeed the essence of life. QinĪrguably the most esteemed instrument in China, legend dates the qin back to the third millennium B.C. ![]() Instantly recognizable as one of the largest countries in the world by population, mass, and economy, China features a vast array of bustling cities, bucolic steppes, winding rivers, and abysmal gorges.ĭespite encompassing such diversity amongst its population and landscape, some Chinese string instruments are celebrated countrywide. ![]()
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